Louis van Gaal has developed a useful habit for a man trying desperately to hang on to his job. Just when it seems the walls are about to cave in, he comes up with a result to relieve the pressure.

After the 3-0 defeat at Arsenal in October, there was the 3-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park. Four defeats in a row to Wolfsburg, Bournemouth, Norwich and Stoke were followed by an improved performance in a draw with Chelsea.

After back-to-back defeats to Sunderland and FC Midtjylland came four wins in a row including an unexpected one against Arsenal at Old Trafford. The Europa League exit to Liverpool was followed by a derby win at the Etihad Stadium. The list goes on.

You could almost call it a slice of luck, then, that Aston Villa, who have lost each of their last eight games, are the visitors to Old Trafford on Sunday, a week after another damaging defeat to Tottenham.

United won at City three days after being dumped out of the Europa League by Liverpool.

With United so far staying silent on Van Gaal’s future, there’s only Ed Woodward and the Glazers’ history with their managers for guidance.

David Moyes was sacked 10 months into a six-year contract just days after a place in the Premier League’s top four was made impossible by a 2-0 defeat to Everton at Goodison Park.

The earliest that could happen to Van Gaal is in three games’ time.

David Moyes was sacked by United in April 2014 after defeat to Everton.

Defeat to Leicester at Old Trafford on May 1 could, conceivably, increase the gap to Manchester City – assuming they win their games - to 13 points with just nine available.

That, though, would mean losing to a Villa side who haven’t won away from home in the league since the opening day of the season and against Crystal Palace, who have won just once since December. Even for an inconsistent United, that would be some achievement.

The likelihood is that United’s challenge for a place in next season’s Champions League will continue into the final weeks of the season and, whatever happens, Van Gaal will be on the bench on the final day when Bournemouth visit Old Trafford.

Ed Woodward and the Glazers will decide whether or not to part company with Louis van Gaal.

United’s top-four chances will be decided over the remaining six games.

But if Van Gaal’s fate is inextricably linked then it raises the possibility that the Dutchman’s two years will be judged on games against Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Leicester, Norwich, West Ham and Bournemouth rather than the 94 that have gone before.

During two years of ups and downs, Van Gaal has nearly always found a result when he’s needed one most. The knives are out after the collapse at White Hart Lane. But history suggests he’ll find a way to postpone judgement day. Again.